"As part of the leadership team, I suspect there will be a lot of opportunities to step out and lead toward my vision for VCA," said Leitch-Alford. "I will lead and assist in the smooth running of the organization to promote and advocate for professional counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Leitch-Alford was elected for a three-year term with the VCA. After her first year as president-elect, Leitch-Alford will serve as president. Immediately following, she will transition into the role of past-president.

"The value of this to the SPC—especially on the counseling side of the house—is very positive. Our program already has a good, sound reputation in Virginia because our faculty, students and graduates are actively supporting a number of programs supported by VCA," said Leitch-Alford. "It's also a good thing for Regent to have a faculty member who is elected to an office that gives a lot of visibility to our programs in SPC."

The VCA—founded in 1930—is charged with the task of providing "equity, unity and public support" to professional counselors within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves as one of the chartered divisions of the American Counseling Association, the nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to excellence in the field of counseling.